Conwy Town Walls

The basics

Listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town walls are accessible to the public through various access points at ground level. There is no formal starting point to the circuit, but you can begin at the northernmost part at Berry Street, where steps lead to an elevated pathway. From here, you can head downhill for views across the harbor, before heading uphill along the main section.

The highest point of the route, The Watchtower, has a spiral staircase that leads to the top, offering uninterrupted views of the mountain ranges, sea, and over to Angelesey and Llandudno. Guided tours of the town walls offer insight into the gates, portcullises, and watchtowers, as well as the site’s construction.

Things to know before you go

• Keep in mind that the walkway is steep and uneven at some points with only a low wall on one side.

• It takes about 30 minutes to walk along the town walls.

• The walk may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or anyone with mobility issues.

• You can almost complete a loop of the whole town along the walls, but some parts are closed or missing.

How to get there

By car, Conwy is accessible via the A55—also known as the North Wales Expressway—which runs along the northern coast. The North Wales Coast Railway connects Conwy to major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester. Starting from the quay, visitors can walk around the outside of the town walls for almost the entire circuit. To walk on top of the walls, locate access points at the Upper Gate, Conwy Castle, the end of Conwy High Street, or near the railway station.

When to get there

Overall, the best time to visit Conwy is from June through September when the weather is typically pleasant with limited rainfall, so expect the largest crowds then. Early summer brings the arrival of seabirds, as well as porpoises, dolphins, and whales. The winters are typically wet, cold, and windy—not ideal for walking the town walls.

The jackdaws of Conwy

The town’s unofficial mascot is the jackdaw—the smallest member of the crow family—as a nod to the bird’s propensity to nest on the town walls and castle ramparts. You’ll spot jackdaw icons on Conwy’s signposts, while jackdaw is also the nickname given to people born within the walls of Conwy town.